While the Joshua tree ranges into the Great Basm and Sonoran Deserts. it has become synonymous with the Mojave. There are two different subspecies of Joshua trees: the larger Yucca brevifolia brevifolla, which grows at Joshua Tree National Park, and the more densely branched Yucca brevifolia jaegeriana, found in the park and other areas of the eastern Mojave.

^1611, Bible, King James Version, Joshua 8, xvii — And the LORD said unto Joshua, stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city.